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Excessive iodine intake in schoolchildren
Adriana Lelis Carvalho1, Clarissa Janson Costa de Souza Meirelles, Luciana Abrão Oliveira
1Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Bandeirantes Avenue 3900 6th, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, 14048-900, Brazil. adriana.lelis@yahoo.com.br
European Journal of Nutrition
|August 13, 2011
Summary
Iodine nutrition in Brazilian schoolchildren shows high urinary iodine levels, indicating increased iodine consumption. This study assessed iodine status in children aged 4-13 years.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Nutrition Science
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) are a public health concern globally.
- Brazil has implemented salt iodization policies for over 50 years to combat IDD.
- Previous studies indicated adequate iodine levels in specific populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the current iodine nutritional status of schoolchildren in São Paulo, Brazil.
- To assess urinary iodine concentration (UIC) as a biomarker for iodine intake.
- To compare current iodine status with historical data.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 828 schoolchildren aged 4-13 years.
- Participants were recruited from eight schools in the interior of São Paulo state.
- Urinary iodine concentration was determined using the adapted Sandell-Kalthoff method.
Main Results:
- The vast majority of schoolchildren exhibited sufficient to high iodine intake.
- Only 1.9% of children had low urinary iodine (<100 μg/L).
- A significant portion (67.1%) showed high urinary iodine excretion (>300 μg/L).
Conclusions:
- The iodine nutritional status among the studied schoolchildren is characterized by high urinary iodine excretion.
- This suggests a potential increase in iodine consumption within this population.
- Continued monitoring of iodine status is recommended.
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